Interchangeable handbag design method

ABSTRACT

A method is disclosed for varying the design appearance of a manually carried handbag using a handbag with an exterior pocket formed between the handbag&#39;s outer surface and a transparent outer sheet. Any number of display sheet inserts, custom designed by the individual user, can be generated by, for example, computer and printed out for insertion into the pocket. By means of these interchangeable, display sheet inserts, the design, color and design style of a single handbag can be easily and simply changed, based on the individual taste and preference of the user. Matching display sheet inserts can also be used with other accessories like bracelets and purses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Accessorizing to fit numerous different wardrobes can be an expensive and time consuming task. This is especially true when selecting the proper handbag to fit a given outfit or style of dress. The wearer often finds it necessary to search for and purchase many handbags, of differing color and style, in order to coordinate an outfit or to satisfy different design preferences. There has never been a product which allows the wearer to simply purchase a single handbag which can be used with many styles and color of dress and which also corresponds to the exact taste and preference of the wearer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore the object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages, limitations, and expense of having to search for and purchase numerous handbags and matching accessories.

It is thus the object of the present invention to provide an interchangeable handbag design method which allows the use of a single handbag with a variety of designs.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an interchangeable handbag design method which permits the user to design handbags with the design, color and design style of choice.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an interchangeable handbag design method which allows the user to simply and easily change a handbag's design, color and styles.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide an interchangeable handbag design method which provides for a variety of interchangeable display sheet inserts, which can be readily generated for use with a single handbag.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an interchangeable handbag design method which allows the user to select and customize a handbag with an infinite number of design possibilities.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an interchangeable handbag design method which affords great versatility to the user in transforming the design, color, and design styles of a single handbag.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an interchangeable handbag design method which allows the user to easily, simply, and interchangeably match the design of a handbag to other personal accessories.

These and other objections are accomplished by the present invention, a method for varying the design appearance of a manually carried handbag using a handbag with an exterior pocket formed between the handbag's outer surface and a transparent outer sheet. Any number of display sheet inserts, custom designed by the individual user, can be generated by, for example, computer and printed out for insertion into the pocket. By means of these interchangeable, display sheet inserts, the design, color and design style of a single handbag can be easily and simply changed, based on the individual taste and preference of the user. Matching display sheet inserts can also be used with other accessories like bracelets and purses.

Novel features which are considered as characteristic of the invention are set forth in particular in the dependent claims. The invention, itself, however, both as to its design, construction and use, together with the additional features and advantages thereof, are best understood upon review of the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view of the handbag with the display sheet insert of the present invention about to be positioned on the outside of the handbag.

FIG. 2 is a view of the handbag with the display sheet insert of the present invention partially positioned on the outside of the handbag.

FIG. 3 is a view of the handbag it the display sheet insert of the present invention fully positioned on the outside of the handbag.

FIG. 4 is a representation of the manner of conception to use of the display sheet insert of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows the display sheet insert of the present invention used with a bracelet.

FIG. 6 shows the display sheet insert of the present invention used with a purse.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Handbag 1 comprises receptacle section 2 with handles 4 and 5. Outer pocket 6 of handbag 1 is formed between the outer surface of handbag 2 and transparent sheet 8. Sheet 8 can be made of flexible plastic or similar material and is sewed, glued, or otherwise secured to side edges 9 and 11 and bottom edge 10 of the handbag. The top edge of sheet 8 is left unsecured to the upper edge of handbag 2, so as to form opening 12 at that location. Transparent flap 14 is provided and folds over opening 12, thus closing the opening. Loops 16 and 18 are secured to the side of handbag 1 and are configured to receive scarf 20, elongated handbag accessories, or even a long stem flower.

Display sheet insert 22, which may be of rigid paper, cardboard, or similar material, exhibits a custom designed pattern. Display sheet insert 22 is inserted into pocket 6, via opening 12, resulting in handbag 1 displaying the design of the display sheet insert. Flap 14 is folded down over sheet 8 to maintain display sheet 22 within pocket 6. See FIGS. 2 and 3.

It is anticipated that users will custom design their own patterns and then generate any number of display sheet inserts. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a user can use a personal computer 24 to design a specific pattern, or display different patterns contained on a compact disc 26. The pattern is printed out on printer 28, resulting in display sheet insert 22.

An infinite number of display sheet inserts, each with different, custom designed patterns, can be generated. When the design, color, design style, etc. of handbag 1 needs to be changed, the user simply opens flap 14 and inserts a different display sheet over the display sheet already in pocket 6. Display sheet inserts which are not being displayed can either remain in or be removed from pocket 6.

Thus, by this invention, the user can select and customize handbag designs of choice and preference. And, of course, there is great versatility, since the user can design and generate an infinite number of display sheet inserts, each with different patterns and designs, such that the look of the handbag can quickly and easily be changed.

It is also contemplated that the user can generate different sized display sheet inserts for other accessories, such as bracelet 30 with section 32 containing matching display sheet insert 34, or purse 36 with section 38 containing matching display sheet insert 40. In this manner, accessories can each have matching patterns, and each can be uniformly changed, as desired by the user. The user can also continually design and generate new patterns and display sheet inserts, as tastes and styles change.

This invention is further not to be considered restricted to handbags used as pocketbooks or fashion accessories. It is contemplated that the present invention can successfully be used for a tote, shopping, diaper, or any similar type handbag where different design looks are desired.

Certain novel features and components of this invention are disclosed in detail in order to make the invention clear in at least one form thereof. However, it is to be clearly understood that the invention as disclosed is not necessarily limited to the exact form and details as disclosed, since it is apparent that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. 

1. A method for varying the design appearance of a manually carried handbag, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a handbag with a transparent outer pocket with a closeable opening at its upper edge; (b) providing a plurality of different handbag display sheet inserts, each display sheet insert having a different design; (c) inserting one of the plurality of display sheet inserts into the opening, such that the handbag displays the design of the display sheet insert through the transparent outer pocket; (d) inserting a second of the plurality of handbag display sheet inserts into the opening, such that the handbag displays the design of the second of the plurality of display sheet inserts through the transparent outer pocket; and (e) continuing to vary the handbag design by alternately inserting different handbag display sheet inserts into the outer pocket such that the handbag displays the design of each inserted display sheet insert through the transparent outer pocket.
 2. The method as in claim 1 comprising the further step of custom designing the plurality of different handbag display sheet inserts on a personal computer and then printing the display sheet inserts for insertion into the opening.
 3. The method as in claim 1 comprising the further step of removing the display sheet inserts which are not being displayed from the opening.
 4. The method as in claim 1 comprising the further step of closing the outer pocket opening after inserting a display sheet insert.
 5. The method as in claim 1 comprising the further step of providing loop means on the handbag to accept design accessories. 